LAPSING INTO A COMMAis an "Elements of Style" for the 21st century. Author Bill Walsh of The Washington Post and The Slot: A Spot for Copy Editors addresses not only the usual usage issues (split infinitives, that vs. which, a historic vs. an historic), but also some topics too new or esoteric to be found in the old style manuals (e-mail vs. email, how to tell a Playmate from a Playboy Bunny and why a right hook is a bad example of a punch). Walsh strikes an often unpredictable balance between the traditional and the progressive in examining the state of American English usage in the computer age. The book is available at bookstores for $14.95. If your bookstore doesn't have it, ask for a special order -- or order here (see below).